When children spend time on out-of-school activities with educational value—what renowned educator Dr. Reginald Clark and Boys & Girls Clubs of America call high-yield learning activities—studies show they are more likely to excel in school. Kids who spend a portion of their summer days engaged in educational activities enter the upcoming school year a step ahead of those who don’t. Ask at your local Boys & Girls Club about summer learning opportunities. Many Clubs offer summer camps, and spaces may still be open at your Club.

Check with the parks and recreation department of your county or city, your local community center or area churches, as these organizations may also offer summer camps, classes or workshops. Some public school systems provide elective summer school classes. Visit your local library often; most have summer reading incentive programs for youth.

Set limits on television viewing and reserve time each day for reading or playing games as a family. Older kids can use the Internet or a newspaper to help research educational outings. Many museums, aquariums and other semi-public attractions set aside dates and times when admission is free or deeply discounted for local residents. Check the Web sites of attractions in your area.

 For more learning activity ideas to try this summer, visit the Your Family section of our site.